Hello Jeff,
I saw the YouTube video of you showcasing JVC's new products at the 2010 CES show. Its interesting and exciting to see how many iPod related products you are releasing. However, as a huge fan (and moderate collector) of vintage 80's boomboxes, I was equally disappointed that there was no apparent plan for JVC to release a more retro-styled boombox.
I currently own three JVC boxes (the RC-M90JW, RC-M70L, and a PC-3) and have also owned one the original Kabooms. Although I am referring to old cassette-deck era boomboxes, they still play perfectly and sound excellent. I will also add that whenever I take one of my legacy JVC boomboxes out of the house for gatherings (or even just to the neighborhood pool) it draws a crowd and many positive comments from individuals that could be categorized across multiple marketing demographics.
With my selection of boomboxes (the exception, not the norm) you may wonder why I would even be in the market for a new retro-boomer. Due to the value of some of my vintage boomboxes (M90's regularly change hands for over $1000 and M70's, which are much more plentiful, go for around $200-500 depending on condition) I am often reluctant to let them leave the house. And if you watch much TV you may have also noticed that it seems that not a day goes by that you don't see a retro-styled boombox either in a commercial or as a prop in a movie.
Lasonic came out with their i931 a couple of years ago which is a modernized version of one of their classic boomers. Apparently, that box has sold very well and continues to do so. I have not wanted to get one because I feel that Lasonic products are substandard in quality and I am holding out for something better to plug my iPod into and am hoping that JVC will someday release a similar product, I know you have the Kaboom iPod box, but as good as the Kabooms sound and perform their design is not to everyone's taste. Good sound is not just about reproducing deep bass. I sold mine because it took up too much space and performed horribly with battery power.
I am quite certain that a JVC retro styled boombox would have equal or greater success than Lasonic's cheezy effort. Especially considering that JVC is MUCH more highly regarded among those who know electronics, not just boombox collectors.
I suggest you and your product development team spend a few minutes to read some of the comments on
http://www.stereo2go.com or
http://www.boomboxery.com and read some of the forum comments on this subject. The Stereo2go.com forum has been around longer and has many interesting discussions that took place about this kind of product well prior to the release of Lasonic's i931.
Well, if you got this far into my email, thanks for taking the time... Best of luck for 2010 and beyond.
Best regards,
John Tucker
